Canes advance to rematch with Warner Robins following shutout of Lithonia

Malachi Jeffries

The Cartersville Purple Hurricanes scored three defensive touchdowns Friday night en route to a 51-0 win over Lithonia in the opening round of the Class AAAAA state playoffs.

Linebacker Miller Forristall had a 35-yard scoop-and-score and linebacker Kace Adams, who finished with three interceptions in the game, returned a pick 29 yards for a score in the first half.

Meanwhile, the Canes’ offense produced a pair of first half touchdowns as Cartersville took a 27-0 lead by the intermission.

Running back Amari White scored on an 85-yard jaunt and quarterback Jake Parker connected with Jacob Ray for a 31-yard touchdown pass.

The Hurricanes struck quickly to start the second half.

Malachi Jeffries culminated a drive that took just over one minute with a 15-yard touchdown run.

A second pick-six by Adams gave Cartersville a 41-0 lead. This interception was returned 13 yards.

As the Canes’ defense completed the shutout of the Bulldogs, Cartersville added a field goal and a Dorian Randle 3-yard touchdown run for a 51-0 final.

Lithonia’s season ends with a 4-7 record.

No. 1-ranked Cartersville (10-0), will host defending state champion Warner Robins in the second round this Friday at Weinman Stadium. The Demons, 10-1 this season, beat Cartersville in last season’s Class AAAAA state championship game 62-28. The lone Warner Robins loss this year came in region play to Ware County on October 15, 29-21.